Basic Terminology

Question 1

Plaque

Answer 1

In skin, a circumscribed, elevated, superficial and solid area greater than
1.0 cm in diameter

Question 2

Papule

Answer 2

A circumscribed, solid elevation in skin or mucosa

Question 3

Macule

Answer 3

A circumscribed flat area, up to 1.0 cm in diameter, perceptibly different in
color from the surrounding tissue

Question 4

Pustule

Answer 4

A circumscribed, superficial elevation of the skin, up to 1.0 cm in diameter,
containing purulent material

Question 5

Vesicle

Answer 5

A small (less than 1.0 cm in diameter) circumscribed elevation of the skin or
mucosa containing fluid

Question 6

Bulla

Answer 6

A fluid-filled blister greater than 1.0 cm in diameter appearing as a
circumscribed area of separation between the epidermis and the underlying
dermis

Question 7

Biopsy

Answer 7

– Removal of a sample of tissue from the body for examination
– Gold standard of diagnosis

Question 8

Cytology

Answer 8

Microscopic examination of cells for the diagnosis
of disease

Question 9

Cancer

Answer 9

General term frequently used to indicate any of various types of malignant neoplasms, most of
which invade surrounding tissues, may metastasize to several sites, & are likely to recur after attempted removal & to cause death to the patient unless adequately treated

Question 10

Tumor

Answer 10

Swelling

Question 11

Harmatoma

Answer 11

Disorganized overgrowth of normal tissue in its normal location

Question 12

Choristoma

Answer 12

Growth of normal tissue in an abnormal location

Question 13

Neoplasm

Answer 13

Growth of abnormal tissue may be either benign or malignant

Question 14

Adenoma

Answer 14

Usually a benign neoplasm pleomorphic adenoma, oncocytoma

Question 15

Carcinoma

Answer 15

Malignant neoplasm derived from epithelial cells

Question 16

Sarcoma

Answer 16

Malignant neoplasm derived from cells of mesodermal origin =

Question 17

Metastasis

Answer 17

– Spread of
disease from one
part of the body
to another
– Tumor implants
are discontinuous
with the primary
tumor

Question 18

Benign Characteristics

Answer 18

• Bilateral
• Rapid onset (ulceration, soft
tissue swelling)
• Pain
• Growth around native
structures
• Slow expansion (osseous)
• Smooth root resorption

Question 19

Malignant Characteristics

Answer 19

• Unilateral
• Chronic, persistent
(ulceration)
• Absence of pain/presence
of paresthesia
• Invasion/destruction of
native structures
• Cortex destruction
• Spiking root resorption